The Utah Jazz have publicly mentioned they’re dedicated to 23-year-old middle Walker Kessler however behind the scenes, they’ve contemplated transferring him.
In accordance with Marc Stein, by way of NBACentral, the Jazz considered sending Kessler away however as an alternative requested for a really excessive worth for him.
Stein wrote:
“Before coming to terms on a blockbuster swap with Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns mere days before the start of training camp, New York made multiple trade runs at Utah’s Walker Kessler to fill its well-chronicled void at center, league sources say. It is believed that Utah wanted at least two future first-round picks for Kessler … after the Knicks had exhausted much of their remaining cache of draft picks in the trade with Brooklyn for Bridges.”
“Earlier than coming to phrases on a blockbuster swap with Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Cities mere days earlier than the beginning of coaching camp, New York made a number of commerce runs at Utah’s Walker… pic.twitter.com/L4Oo4R3jJA
The Knicks have been intrigued by the prospect of including Kessler however the Jazz have been demanding rather a lot in alternate for him.
It’s vital to notice that they didn’t flat-out deny New York’s pursuit of Kessler, which implies maybe they’re warming as much as the thought of buying and selling him.
What would have occurred if the Knicks nonetheless had draft picks to surrender?
Kessler had a mean of 8.1 factors and seven.5 rebounds final yr throughout his second season with the Jazz.
That’s a minor step down from his rookie season stats of 9.2 factors and eight.4 rebounds however Kessler continues to be an enormous man to look at.
This story in regards to the Knicks inquiring about Kessler and the Jazz’s response to it feels much like different tales we’ve heard from contained in the staff.
For instance, some groups have been fascinated by signing Lauri Markkanen this summer time however the Jazz have been demanding rather a lot for him.
Utah’s entrance workplace doesn’t normally utterly deny the opportunity of buying and selling their greatest stars, however they drive a tough discount.
Does this imply the Jazz are comfy with the idea of dropping Kessler or are they only powerful negotiators?
